Frequency of tuberculosis: Associated genomic variants in ancient Native Americans

OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the role of the immunological landscape of the ancient Americas in relation to tuberculosis infection. Specifically, we aim to determine the relative frequency of genetic polymorphisms associated with susceptibility and resistance to tuberculosis in ancient individuals. METHODS: We conducted a bibliographic review of tuberculosis and curated single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with the disease in present-day human populations. Using BCFtools, we analyzed ancient DNA data from 223 Native American individuals to identify curated genomic variants. RESULTS: Our findings show a predominance of single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with tuberculosis susceptibility in ancient Native American populations. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that genomic variants associated with susceptibility and resistance to tuberculosis were already present in ancient Native American populations, suggesting that genetic factors influenced mortality following the introduction of more virulent strains during European colonization. SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides insights into the prevalence of tuberculosis-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms among ancient American individuals before European colonization. LIMITATIONS: The variants considered are associated with contemporary TB, and it is uncertain whether they were associated with TB in the past. Suggestions for further research: Our findings underscore the need for future studies on the origins and spread of tuberculosis and the selective pressures the disease may have exerted on human populations in the Americas before and after European contact.